September 10, 2012

Jones says last year more disappointing than Seattle playoff loss and isn't worried about Romo, who 'thinks in the now'

Jerry Jones remembers the playoff loss in Seattle, but he says last year was more disappointing than that.

“I think there’s a good chance we would have had some success, maybe a lot of success, in the playoffs,” Jones said of that season, which ended with the 21-20 loss in the NFC wild-card round. “It was very disappointing, but not nearly as disappointing as last year. Those were my biggest disappointments, was last year.”

Jones, speaking to reporters Monday at Valley Ranch, said the loss has not stuck with quarterback Tony Romo, then in his first year as the starting quarterback but also playing as the holder for place kicks. He mishandled the snap on a field goal that would have put the Cowboys ahead late in the game.

“I think that you have seen in his case a person and a player that is continually striving for ways to get better,” Jones said. “It’s one of his best qualities. He never sits still or thinks in the now. He’s always trying to think ahead, get better, different circumstances and how it can help him be a better player and better for the Cowboys. Just the time that has passed and the nature of Romo says all you probably need to say as far learning lessons from experiences.”

The Jan. 6, 2007, game was also the last for Bill Parcells as head coach of the Cowboys.

“I had always had a good understanding and a good feel for where Bill was relative to his motivation and relative to his clock, if you will,” Jones said. “So his decision to not coach anymore wasn’t just a shock to me. I wanted him to continue if he wanted to continue. But I knew a time frame that he was looking to when he took the job. So didn’t anticipate anything, but just was not shocked.”